Bed cover holding device



June 20, 1961 v. E. GERDES 2,988,759

BED COVER HOLDING DEVICE Filed April 22, 1959 Virgil E Gerdes 1N VEN TOR.

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United States Patent 2,988,759 BED COVER HOLDING DEVICE Virgil E. Gerdes, R.R. 3, Worthington, Minn. Filed-Apr. 22, 1959, Ser. No. 808,114. 4 Claims. (Cl. 5-320) The present invention relates to bed cover holding devices, that is, devices which are utilized in a manner to assist in keeping a bed cover or blanket in the desired position so that the occupant of the bed covered thereby may not knowingly or otherwise displace the blanket while twisting and turning during the course of sleep.

As is doubtless evident from the preceding general statement of the nature of the invention, many and varied types and forms of blanket hold-down and restraining appliances and devices have been devised by others. As will be further evident from the instant disclosure, the present concept has to do with means which is especially, but not necessarily, adapted to serve the slumber needs of infants and small children who, as is well known, are particularly adept at throwing ofi bedclothing while pitching and tossing about in their sleep.

The invention under advisement involves a concept which goes beyond the mere idea of structurally linking a portion of a blanket to another portion of the bed upon which the blanket has been spread. That is to say, the inventive idea here is to provide what is believed to be an innovation in this line of endeavor. In carrying out the invention the means utilized is characterized not only by a tethering or linking device which has connected at one end to a part of the blanket, it embodies as an essential component thereof unique slumber inducing means; namely, an independent freely movable object, a plaything or toy for example, which in and of itself is intended to promote peaceful sleep by reason of the fact that it may be caressingly cuddled by the infant and, being joined to the tethering means, will aid in holding the blanket in place by the very fact that it is being held by the infant.

Construed similarly the invention is designed for use in mentally conditioning and promoting peaceful sleep. It is characterized generally interpreted by slumber inducing means in combination with a conventional type crib blanket. More particularly, the improvement has to do with a sleep promoting object which is expressly designed and adapted to be huggged and cuddled by the infant. Means is provided for separably connecting the object to a selected portion of the blanket whereby the inherent properties of the object itself and its attachment to the blanket will minimize the likelihood of the blanket being displaced from its intended covering position.

Stated more explicity the invention pertains to a flexible elongated tethering element. This may comprise a simple elastic strap of any appropriate length and degree of elasticity. One end is provided with a clamp which is separably connectible with the desired portion of a crib blanket. The other end is preferably fastened to a central or median part of the bottom of the toy. The toy for example may comprise a stuffed duck or any equivalent doll or plaything. Since it is common practice for infants to be accompanied by a plaything when being put to sleep, it is obvious that the ideas fit well together in carrying out the aims which are to be satisfied.

Other objects, features and advantages will become more readily apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawing.

In the drawing wherein like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the views:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the Patented June 20, 1961 invention and how, under normal circumstances, it is attached and used to achieve the end result desired.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view of the toy or plaything, the tethering means and clamp disclosed in section and elevation.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the blanket clamp.

Referring now to the drawing with the aid of reference numerals and lead lines the object or plaything is denoted by the numeral 6. As already mentioned the expression object is being used broadly to comprehend any suitable attractive toy (doll, stuffed duck, rabbit or the like) having the desired soothing and other inherent properties of appeal. A toy duck is shown in the drawing and it is of any suitable construction. The anchoring or tethering means for linking the toy to the blanket may of course vary in construction. It is within the purview of the concept to employ an elongated elastic or equivalent flexible band, strap or an equivalent element 8. The forward end portion 10 (FIG. 2) is preferably secured to fasteners 12 to a central part of the bottom of the toy. The other or rearward end is riveted or otherwise secured as at 14 to an appropriate readily connectible and releasable clamp or an equivalent device 16. The clamp shown is a simple one having a resilient bottom jaw 18 and a companion resilient top jaw 20, a retaining latch being provided at 22. As seen in FIG. 3 the latch has a hinge portion hinged as at 24 between flanges 26 on the body of the clamp. The latch embodies a finger-grip or finger-piece and a cam 28 which functions in an obvious manner to open and close the jaw 20. The crib or equivalent blanket is denoted at 30.

As seen in FIG. 1 the clamp is connected to any suitable portion 32 of the blanket. This serves to flexibly link or connect the toy '6 to the blanket. As further illustrated the toy will be handled by the infant much in the usual way. Using a duck with a head and neck provides an ideal approach to the solution of the problem since the act of hugging the neck of the duck will enable the infant to unconsciously utilize the tethering means and clamp for retaining the blanket against accidental displacement.

Although a single duck and clamping device is shown in practice these devices may, of course, be used in pairs so that there will be one available at each side of the infant.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. For use in mentally conditioning an infant and promoting peaceful sleep; infant slumber-inducing means comprising, in combination, a conventional type crib blanket the marginal edges of which are adapted to be tucked-in in the usual manner for retention on a mattress, a sleep-promoting object expressly designed and adapted to be caressingly cuddled by the infant, and means separably connecting said object to a selected portion of the blanket, whereby the inherent properties of the object itself and its attachment to the blanket will minimize the likelihood of the blanket being displaced from its intended infant-covering position, said object comprising a plaything, for example, a stuffed duck, of a type which has the desired appeal to the infant, said connecting means comprising an elastic flexible tethering element connected at one end to the object and "sepa- 3 rably connectible at the other end to the blanket.

'2. In combination, a blanket, a tethering element connected at one end to a predetermined part of the blanket, the other end of said tethering element being free, and means carried by said free end adapted to be releasably held by the user, said means comprising a toy.

3. In combination, a blanket, a tethering element connected at one end to a predetermined part of the blanket, the other end of said tethering element being free, and means carried by said free end adapted to be releasably held by the user, said means comprising a toy, said one end of said tethering element being provided with a clamp for detachable connection with said blanket.

4. For use in mentally conditioning an infant and pro- References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 958,617 Frankenhofi May 17, 1910 1,365,169 Goldberg Jan. 11, 1921 1,502,608 Young July 22, 1924 2,647,195 Broyles July 28, 1953 

